Looking for the best quick-dry towels? Our expert testing team evaluated numerous options, focusing on absorbency, drying speed, and texture. We've curated a list of the top 7 towels of 2024, perfect for travel, gym, or home use. Find out which rapid-drying towels stood out for their performance and durability in our comprehensive review, ensuring you get the most for your money.
Finding the perfect towel can be surprisingly challenging. Nobody wants a towel that stays damp for hours, leaving you feeling chilly and your bathroom smelling less than fresh. Enter the quick-dry towel. These towels are designed with special materials and weaves that wick away moisture and dry rapidly, making them ideal for travel, the gym, or simply everyday use at home. In this article, we'll dive into the 7 best quick-dry towels of 2024, based on our rigorous testing and reviews.
Before we jump into the reviews, let's quickly cover what makes a towel "quick-drying." Key factors include:
We put a variety of quick-drying towels through the wringer, evaluating them on absorbency, drying time, softness, weight, and overall value. Here are our top picks:
Towel Name Material Drying Time (Approx.) Absorbency Key Features Pros Cons Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Microfiber (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide) 30-45 minutes Excellent Lightweight, compact, comes with a carrying pouch, various sizes available. Extremely quick-drying, affordable, very portable, super absorbent for its size. Can feel a bit "slippery" compared to cotton, may need to be washed separately initially. Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel Microfiber (80% Polyester, 20% Polyamide) 40-55 minutes Very Good Sand resistant, vibrant colors and patterns, compact, comes with a travel bag. Stylish designs, packs down small, good absorbency, sand doesn't stick easily. Slightly more expensive than other microfiber options, can feel thinner than some prefer. Tesalate Sand Free Beach Towel Absorlite Microfiber 60-75 minutes Excellent Sand-free technology, double-sided design, larger size, premium quality. Truly sand-free, very absorbent, high-quality construction, unique designs. Most expensive option on the list, can be bulky to pack despite being lightweight. Laguna Beach Textile Company Turkish Towel 100% Turkish Cotton 90-120 minutes Good Lightweight, stylish, versatile (can be used as a scarf or wrap), gets softer with each wash. Natural fibers, beautiful designs, multi-purpose, feels luxurious. Takes longer to dry than microfiber options, may shrink slightly after washing. Nomadix Original Towel Recycled Microfiber (Post-Consumer Recycled Plastic Bottles) 50-65 minutes Very Good Made from recycled materials, odor-resistant, absorbent, dries quickly. Eco-friendly, sustainable choice, good absorbency, repels odors. More expensive than standard microfiber towels, color selection may be limited. Youphoria Outdoors Quick Dry Travel Towel Microfiber 35-50 minutes Excellent Extremely lightweight, very compact, highly absorbent, great for backpacking. Best for travel due to its packability, highly absorbent, dries quickly, affordable. May not be as soft as other options, smaller size might not be ideal for all uses. Microdry Soft Spun Microfiber Bath Towel Microfiber 60-70 minutes Very Good Soft texture, highly absorbent, dries much faster than standard cotton bath towels. Soft and comfortable to the touch, absorbent enough for regular bath use, quick-drying for a bath towel. May pill slightly after multiple washes, can feel a bit synthetic.
The "best" quick-dry towel ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're a frequent traveler, a lightweight and compact microfiber towel like the Rainleaf or Youphoria is an excellent choice. Beachgoers will appreciate the sand-free technology of the Tesalate. For those who prefer natural fibers and a more luxurious feel, a Turkish cotton towel from Laguna Beach Textile Company is a great option. And if sustainability is a priority, the Nomadix is an eco-conscious choice. If you're looking for a quick-drying bath towel, the Microdry option provides a good balance of softness and drying speed.
Consider your budget, intended use, and desired features when making your decision. With the right quick-dry towel, you can say goodbye to damp, musty towels and hello to a fresher, more convenient experience.
No matter which quick dry towel you choose, ensuring proper care will help prolong its life and maintain its absorbency and drying capabilities. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing and drying. Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can reduce the absorbency of microfiber towels. Air drying is often preferable, but if you use a dryer, use a low heat setting. With proper care, your quick-dry towel will provide years of reliable performance.
Shopping
The Ultimate Galápagos Packing List
Shopping
13 Statement Sweaters to Spice Up Your Fall Outfits — Shop on Nordstrom, Madewell, Everlane, and More From $38
Shopping
I’m a Professional Packer, and This Is How to Make Everything Fit in Your Carry-on This Thanksgiving
Shopping
I Walked Around Two Major Cities for Hours in These Sneakers That Were Comfy From Day 1
Shopping
The 62 Best REI Cyber Monday Deals Are Here — Shop Hoka, Patagonia, Osprey, and More Up to 60% Off
Shopping
Shopbop Slashed Prices on New Balance, Alo Yoga, and Dagne Dover — Shop the Top 50 Deals Starting at $25
Shopping
A Celeb Just Walked the Red Carpet in These Comfy, Travel Editor-loved Sneakers — and They’re Under $100
Shopping
These Fleece-lined Leggings Will Keep You Warm and Dry This Winter — and They’re 51% Off for Cyber Monday
Shopping
Amazon Still Has Thousands of Cyber Monday Deals Up to 71% Off — Shop the 53 Top Finds From $6
Shopping
I’ve Been Watching Black Friday Deals for a Week — and These 12 Cyber Week Deals Are Still Worth It
Shopping
I'm an American Writer in Paris, and You Can Snag These 15 Effortless French Styles on Sale — From $10
Shopping
15 Sweat-wicking Hiking Shirts for Fall That Will Keep You on the Trail Longer — From $12
Shopping
This One Backpack Mistake Can Ruin Your Next Trek — According to Someone Who's Hiked all 7 Continents
Shopping
14 Foolproof Hacks to Get More Space Out of Your Carry-on, According to a Travel Editor — Items Start at $6
Shopping
The 8 Best Sports Bras of 2024
Shopping
15 Effortless Ways to Dress Like an Italian This Winter, According to a Travel Writer from Rome
